Arsene Wenger has gone down as one of the greatest managers in Premier League history, and certainly one of the best to have ever managed Arsenal.
The Frenchman spent 22 years in charge of the Londoners, guiding them to three Premier League titles, seven FA Cups and the final of the 2005 Champions League, all while playing scintillating football and promoting homegrown talent.
Yet Wenger's tenure wasn't without its lows, particularly towards the end of his tenure, when financial restrictions following the building of the Emirates Stadium meant qualifying for Europe was considered a success each season. Sections of the fanbase were outraged, demanding the once beloved coach quit. For Wenger's loyal players, it was tough to witness.
- 'I thought leaving was the easiest quick fix for the team to be able to perform again. That was a difficult personal decision for me, but sometimes you have to do that when it’s what you think is best for the team': Former Arsenal boss opens up on exit
- Arsenal to sack Mikel Arteta? Gunners hierarchy identify 'dream' managerial replacement: report
"To be honest, it was difficult to watch that," Aaron Ramsey, who spent a decade together with Wenger at Arsenal, tell FourFourTwo now. "He put everything into the club over so many years. Despite so many obstacles, he ensured that we kept qualifying for the Champions League and picking up silverware. He turned down so many lucrative offers to stay and help Arsenal to compete against teams who were spending absolute fortunes."
Wenger eventually stood down in 2018, with Unai Emery taking charge before current boss Mikel Arteta took the reins in 2019. While it appears the Gunners are becoming a force again in English football, it hasn't been smooth sailing since Wenger left. Ramsey believes fans should have appreciated Wenger more towards the end of his spell at the club.
"I think that when he finally left, lots of people began to appreciate what he actually did," remembers Ramsey. "He went above and beyond what almost anyone else has ever done for Arsenal. I was very proud to play for him. Now he has his statue outside the ground and no one deserves it more. He deserved better towards the end."
Read the full interview with Ramsey in the current issue of FourFourTwo, in shops now or BUY HERE WITH FREE DELIVERY
MORE ARSENAL STORIES
In an exclusive interview with FourFourTwo, Declan Rice has spoken about Arsenal's aspirations for this season and beyond, claiming the Gunners can compete with the very best at home and in Europe.
Meanwhile, Sky Sports' pundits have discussed the situation involving Arsenal's two goalkeepers, with Jamie Carragher believing that one of them will have to leave the club sooner rather than later.
And Ramsdale has already been linked with a move away from north London, with Chelsea and Bayern Munich reportedly keen on the England international.
'It’s absolutely essential that funding drips down from the top end of the game' Stuart Pearce takes the Premier League trophy back to his non-league roots
‘The fact he’s on a short deal doesn’t sit well. Gareth laid the foundations for players coming through. All Tuchel’s got to worry about is the here and now’: England hero lays out his issues with Thomas Tuchel appointment
